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Ford Territory

Ford says we'll all be driving a Territory – officially on sale this week – or a vehicle like it in the future. Joshua Dowling drives the much-heralded on- and off-roader and judges how well it works right now.

Ford Territory

25 February 2011Joshua Dowling

Ford says we'll all be driving a Territory -- officially on sale this week -- or a vehicle like it in the future. Joshua Dowling drives the much-heralded on- and off-roader and judges how well it works right now.

Pigeonhole: Soft-roader.

Philosophy: If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

Trivia: One in five new cars sold today is a four-wheel-drive. The Territory is the first all-new Australian-made 4WD (Holden's Adventra arrived in showrooms six months earlier but is based on a Commodore wagon). Uniquely, the Territory is available in two- or four-wheel-drive.

Who's buying it: Ford has distributed one or two to each dealer across Australia for potential buyers to test drive. Sales start officially on June 1. Ford says the Territory will appeal to owners of traditional wagons who want a soft-roader, or drivers of big heavy 4WDs who want something more city-friendly.

Why you'd buy it: Easier to manoeuvre and more fun to drive than a regular four-wheel-drive (the Territory is based on car-like underpinnings), plenty of storage cubbies and adequate grunt.

Why you wouldn't: Those stepping up from a wagon will feel the pinch in their wallet thanks to relatively high fuel consumption; the Territory weighs about 2.2 tonnes.

Safety: Dual airbags, anti-lock brakes and traction control are standard. Stability control is only available on the all-wheel-drive models and side-curtain airbags are only available on the flagship Ghia.

Cabin: Roomy, good visibility. I particularly like the drink holders in the door pockets and the rubber finish of the interior door handle. But, even in its highest position, the steering wheel is too low to easily see the top of the speedo and vital switches are hidden behind the wheel. Why?

Seating: Five seats are standard, seven seats are a $1500 option.

Engine: The same trusty 4.0-litre six from the Falcon provides ample pulling power for this vehicle. It has an almost BMW-like high-tech whirr at high revs and is surprisingly refined. But it is thirsty.

Steering: At low speeds the steering provides plenty of feedback and is responsive without being too sharp. But I hate the vague feeling at freeway speeds; it feels too light.

Ride: Big, cushy tyres complement the well-tuned suspension.

Handling: It's no sports car, but anyone accustomed to a big 4WD will be pleasantly surprised. Anyone upgrading from a car-based wagon will feel at ease.

Fuel: Ouch! We averaged between 17 and 22 litres per 100 kilometres with goods and chattels on board.

Brakes: A bit soft for my liking but otherwise OK.

Build: Good for a locally developed car, not as good as something from Japan. On every Territory I've seen, I've been able to fit my fingers in the gap between the tailgate and the body so, even though it looks bad, it is supposed to be this way. On an outback trip, it didn't leak dust, which is the main thing. But there was a mountain of dust behind the stop lamp once the tailgate was open. It had nowhere to go.

Warranty: Three years/100,000 kilometres.

Audio: Average sound from AM/FM CD player.

Cost: There are three models and each is available in two- or all-wheel-drive. Prices range from $38,990 to $53,290. Dealers are taking orders for June 1 delivery. Only slim discounts.

Verdict: Ford reckons the Territory -- and vehicles like it -- is what we'll be driving in the future, given that it is part car, part wagon and part 4WD. Just don't plan on going too far off the beaten track in one.